1970 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1970 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970. Incumbent Republican Robert D. Ray defeated Democratic nominee Robert D. Fulton with 50.98% of the vote.

1970 Iowa gubernatorial election

November 3, 1970

Nominee Robert D. Ray Robert D. Fulton Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 403,394 368,911 Percentage 51.0% 46.6%

County Results Ray:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70% Fulton:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election Robert D. Ray Republican Elected Governor Robert D. Ray Republican

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 2, 1970.[1]

Candidates

• Robert D. Fulton, former Lieutenant Governor
• William J. Gannon, State Representative
• Robert L. Nereim

Results

Democratic primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Robert D. Fulton	48,459	46.69
	Democratic	William J. Gannon	46,524	44.83
	Democratic	Robert L. Nereim	8,796	8.48
	Democratic	Write-ins	8	0.01
Total votes			103,787	100.00

Candidates

• Robert D. Ray, incumbent Governor

Results

Republican primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert D. Ray	144,635	99.98
	Republican	Write-ins	35	0.02
Total votes			144,670	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Robert D. Ray, Republican
• Robert D. Fulton, Democratic

Other candidates

• Robert Dilley, American Independent

Results

1970 Iowa gubernatorial election[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Robert D. Ray	403,394	50.98%
	Democratic	Robert D. Fulton	368,911	46.62%
	American Independent	Robert Dilley	18,933	2.39%
	Write-ins		3	0.00%
Majority			34,483	4.36%
Turnout			791,241
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa Primary Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of Iowa. 1970. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
2. "Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa General Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of Iowa. 1970. Retrieved April 20, 2019.